What Is 2017 Australian Formula Ford Series

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Australian Formula Ford Series was a single-make racing championship held across Australia, featuring 1600cc Ford-powered open-wheel cars. It consisted of six rounds from May to September, with Jordan Lloyd winning the championship.

Key Facts

The 2017 series ran from May to September 2017
Six rounds were held across Australia
Jordan Lloyd won the championship title
All cars used 1600cc Ford Kent engines
Formula Ford served as a junior development category for future Supercars drivers

Overview

The 2017 Australian Formula Ford Series was a national motorsport championship designed to support young drivers transitioning into professional single-seater racing. Organized under the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS), the series emphasized driver development using affordable, equally-prepared chassis and engines.

As a foundational tier in Australia’s motorsport ladder, Formula Ford provided a cost-effective platform for emerging talent. The 2017 season followed strict regulations to ensure parity, with all entries using 1600cc Ford Kent engines and chassis from approved manufacturers such as Mygale and Spectrum.

Round 1 took place at Sydney Motorsport Park on May 12–14, featuring two 25-minute races that set the early championship pace.
Jordan Lloyd claimed the title after consistent podium finishes, ultimately securing the crown with a round to spare.
Each round included three races, totaling 18 races across the six-event calendar, maximizing track time for competitors.
The series used control tires supplied by Dunlop, ensuring equal grip levels and reducing strategic complexity.
Eligible cars included Mygale SJ10, Spectrum 011, and older chassis models, all restricted to naturally aspirated Ford Kent 1600cc engines.

How It Works

The series operated under a standardized technical and sporting framework to maintain fairness and reduce costs for teams and drivers. Each event followed a structured weekend format with practice, qualifying, and multiple races.

Championship Format: Drivers earned points in each race based on finishing position, with 25 points for a win and a decreasing scale down to 10th place.
Eligibility: Open to drivers aged 15 and over with a CAMS National C-Class license, allowing both emerging juniors and experienced club racers.
Technical Regulations: All engines were sealed by officials to prevent tuning, ensuring equal performance across the grid.
Chassis Parity: While multiple chassis types were allowed, performance adjustments were made through weight ballast to balance competitiveness.
Event Structure: Each round spanned a weekend, with two 25-minute races and one 15-minute sprint, promoting consistent performance.
Support Category: The series ran as a support event for the Supercars Championship, giving drivers exposure to large motorsport audiences.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 Formula Ford Series with other junior open-wheel categories in Australia:

Series	Engine	Chassis	Price (AUD)	Championship Rounds
Australian Formula Ford 2017	Ford Kent 1600cc	Mygale, Spectrum	$60,000–$80,000	6
Formula 4 Australian Championship	Ford 1600cc	Walter Wolf	$100,000+	5
Super3 Series	V8 Supercar-derived	Custom tube-frame	$150,000+	7
Toyota 86 Racing Series	2.7L Flat-Four	Production-based	$90,000	5
BRSCC Formula Ford UK	Ford Kent 1600cc	Various	~$70,000	10

The 2017 Australian Formula Ford Series stood out for its affordability and technical simplicity compared to higher-tier series. Its focus on driver skill over engineering advantage made it ideal for talent identification. While international Formula Ford has declined, Australia maintained it as a key development step before moving to higher formulae.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was significant in preserving a long-standing entry point into professional motorsport, continuing a tradition dating back to the 1970s. It helped shape careers and maintained competitive grassroots racing in Australia.

Driver Development: Many past champions have moved into Supercars, including Chaz Mostert and Scott McLaughlin, highlighting its effectiveness.
Cost Control: With entry costs under $80,000, it remained one of the most accessible single-seater series in Australia.
Industry Support: Backed by Ford Australia, the series reinforced the automaker’s motorsport heritage and youth engagement.
Technical Foundation: Learning car control in underpowered, low-downforce machines built strong fundamentals for future racers.
Pathway to Supercars: The series was officially recognized as a feeder category in the Supercars development ladder.
Historical Legacy: The 2017 season marked one of the final years before Formula Ford was replaced by Formula 4 in 2019.

Ultimately, the 2017 Australian Formula Ford Series served as a crucial bridge between karting and professional motorsport, combining affordability, competition, and tradition in a rapidly evolving racing landscape.